26 Chapter 27: The Strongest Party (1/2)

”Back me up.” Said the Red-Haired lady as she cut through the minotaurs as if they were paper

”What exactly am I supposed to back? You killed them all” Said the mage

”Huh? Did you say something?” She asked with a cold look in her eyes

”N-Nothing at all.” He replied

So this is what the strongest party in Atlas is like. What amazing teamwork.

We're currently 5th floor, They have a map which contains the structure of the dungeon up to the 13th floor. It's been 4 hours since we left the boss room and they've accompanied us, so far.

They haven't asked me anything regarding how I fell into the trap or told me to explain what happened in the fight before they arrived, so I'm guessing they're being considerate of me.

I'm carrying Ariel on my back, she's fast asleep, and Serena has been observing the proclaimed strongest party and see, how they work as a team.

I did the same, it was pretty interesting. If the enemy was strong enough to survive the red-haired ladies attack and attack back. She would either dodge it or have the tank block it and kill the enemy. A simple, yet effective strategy.

The mage wasn't doing anything, or rather, he didn't need to. To be honest I wasn't sure what he was doing. He would occasionally chant something, but nothing would happen.

Maybe it was a buff? Like a speed or strength boost, buff? I wasn't sure what it was, but he seemed to be working hard, so I didn't ask. The mage also seemed interested in how in the spells I used against the spider, but he also didn't ask.

For the rest of the journey back, it felt awkward. But I didn't care, I always already in a good mood thanks to Ariel being fine. I couldn't ask for more. I wouldn't mind giving them all the gold coins I had, but judging by the way, their leader, the Red-Haired lady acts. She wouldn't accept or need it.

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After 6 hours we finally made it to the exit of the tower. It was night time and the fresh breeze felt amazing. It felt like I was being purified simply from inhaling the fresh air. I took a deep breath and let the nice cool air fill my lungs as I let it out in a singular motion as I exhaled.

”Thank you very much for accompanying us back. As requested, I'll answer your questions to the best of my ability as thanks.” I said

”Thank you,” Serena added on

”What well-mannered kids... It's fine the boss helped you because she was worried about you. She may act scary but she's honestly really soft.” Said the tank

”Shut up...” Muttered the boss as she hid her face

”K-Kids..?” Serena said

”Y-Yes, is something wrong? Ah, my bad, I assumed you were a kid thanks to your looks. I'm sorry.” Said the tank

”I-I look like a kid...” Serena muttered with an empty expression

”S-Sorry, I had no idea you were older.” Said the tank

She seemed to have taken some emotional damage from his words. The fact that he was trying to be sincere must have hurt even more.

”Anyways, what are your names? if you don't mind me asking.” I said

”Ah, that's right we haven't introduced ourselves. My name's Lee. The soft-hearted boss of ours is called rose-”

”What was that?” Rose asked

”The mage who you see quietly reading a book is Oliver and that priest who healed you is called Alex. We're all A rank adventurers.” He said

”I see Nice to you. My name is John, The girl on my back is Ariel and This kid is called Serena.”

”John, what did you just say?” Serena asked with an annoyed expression

”I have no idea what you're talking about,” I said as I shook my head

”Um, Rose, you said you're an A rank adventurer right? You see, John here was looking for A rank adventurers to fight. Do you mind sparring against him.” Serena asked

Eh? Serena, you didn't just do that, did you... Well it should be fine Rose is soft-hearted after all, there's no way she'd access-

”Sure.” Said rose

”W-Well, Rose has accompanied us this far, I'm sure you're quite tired right?” I said as I began to nervously sweat

”No, I'm fine.” She said

I looked towards the tank with an expression that said 'please help me' but he looked away as if he were too afraid to stop her.

”L-Looks like we have n-no choice, when is the match?” I asked

”Now's fine, there's space and if anything happens Alex can heal you.”

W-what did she just say? Am I going to die

”O-Okay...” I said as I handed Ariel over to Serena

Sorry, Ariel, I thought we'd be able to talk one last time, but it looks like my life will end tonight...

We prepared ourselves for the fight and got in our positions

”Very well, 3...” Said the Lee

O-On second thought, I think I'm a bit too tired

”2...”

I began sweating and looked towards Serena for help

”1...”

Serena gave me a mischievous smile and acted like it wasn't any of her business

”Go.”

The moment he said go, I felt every hair on my body stand as Rose let out bloodlust.

”U-Um Ros-”

Before I could finish rose leapt forward and swung her leg in a motion to kick me. I barely dodged it by ducking. She then used that moment to direct another kick with her left leg while her body was turned.

I blocked that kick and my arms felt numb

”You're holding back aren't you..?” I asked

”What do you mean?” Rose asked

”You're not using your sword and you were much faster when we were fighting against the spider and other monsters in the dungeon,” I said

”So you want me to use my sword... Okay.” Rose replied

Eh?

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”It's my loss.”

While facing the sky with my head on the floor, I surrendered.

It happened in an instant. She pulled out her sword and lept towards me. I pulled out my daggers and strengthened them to block her attack but when I did, she disappeared from my line of sight.

By the time I realized that she was above me, it was already too late. She hit me with the handle of the sword in the head and I fell.

In a real fight. I would've been dead. Things might have ended differently if I used magic, but I still would've lost. I lacked experience, losing sight of an enemy in a fight is something, not even magic can save you from.

”You did well, for a kid.” Said rose

Hearing her words, put a tear on my eye. Rose, a red-haired, intimidating looking women, who was both good looking and scary. However, in her nature, she was a good person.

”Thank you, Let's fight again some time. Next time let's give it all we have and no holding back.” I said as I wiped away my tear.

”Sure.” She said

She was a quiet person though. I wonder if she's dating anyone. She's surrounded by guys so one of them should be her boyfriend, right? Well, whoever it is. Good luck!